Interview With Joey Varela of VRSTY
What are your main music influences, and how did you decide you wanted to get into the post-hardcore genre? Joey: My main influence is Michael Jackson. I pretty much grew up listening to him and was always drawn to the idea of wanting to be a vocalist, but it was From First to Last with Sonny that made me really wanna do this.
How would you describe your music to someone who's just discovered it today? J: Uhm, I’d say it’s issues-coded? Pop/R&B vocals over sometimes heavy instrumentals, sometimes soft, but always groovy. You're just dropping your brand new album, icon. How do you hope the fans will take this record compared to the previous work? J: I just want people to enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it. What's something you have been noticing that fans are taking from the recent singles compared to your previously released music? J: I think people are definitely connecting with this music more than anything I have ever done. How was the overall writing and producing process for this album compared to Levitate, or even Welcome Home? J: Honestly, it was so easy [Laughs]. I worked with Skyler Accord (Issues), Rich Wicander (Fire From The Gods) and Sam Guiana, and each one of them pushed me to my absolute limits but also understood what I was going for and added to the vision. Did you have any inspirations while you were writing the songs for the new record? J: I can’t say I did, to be honest. I just kinda started writing and was more focused on having fun doing it. What’s your favourite song on the record? J: "Dear Whoever," hands down.
How's the overall process of making new music? Do you plan on doing it on the road, wait until the tour is over, or do you like to do the proper, full-blown sessions? J: I never have a plan for it, to be honest. Whenever an idea comes to me, I just start writing and recording it. Doesn’t matter where I am; when the idea strikes, I run with it.
If you can have your listeners and fans remember one thing about yourself, what would you want them to remember you by and why? J: I would want them to remember that I’m just a regular ass person who loves music just as much as they do.
If there was one band that reached out to you right now that wanted to have you on tour, who would that dream band be right now? J: Well, one of the bands I want to tour with did reach out to me [Laughs], but if I had to pick another, it would 100% be Underoath.
What are your tour essential stops while on the road? J: Walmart, Waffle House, and Loves.
How do you like to spend your days off on tour? J: Sleeping [Laughs].
Finally, what are your plans for the rest of 2026 and into 2027? J: Do content, I guess, and focus on more new music for 2026 and 2027. I just wanna be on tour as much as possible.
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